Prescribed burn aids in East Kootenay fire containment

On July 8, 2015

The wildfire east of Lake Kookanusa and south of Cutts Road toward the Elk River is now 100% contained. This fire was discovered on July 4, 2015 and grew quickly and
aggressively, prompting the evacuation of 200 people near Kragmont and further evacuation alerts in nearby communities.

All evacuation alerts or evacuation orders issued by the Regional District of East Kootenay for areas around this wildfire have now been lifted. For more information, visit: http://www.rdek.bc.ca

Wildfire suppression efforts were aided by the Cutts Pasture Ecosystem Restoration burn, which was conducted in fall 2013. The objectives of the Cutts Pasture project were to improve wildlife habitat and help protect local communities from the potential of catastrophic wildfires. This incident is an excellent example of how prescribed fire on the landscape can reduce fuel loads and create defensible spaces for BC Wildfire Service crews to work when fires do occur.

BC Wildfire Service crews will continue mopping up hot spots on the fire’s perimeter, with the help of a sustained action crew from Ontario. Their assistance was made possible through the
Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, which co-ordinates the mutual sharing of firefighting resources between B.C. and other Canadian jurisdictions.

With hot and dry conditions forecast through next week and the potential for more thunderstorms, the Southeast Fire Centre is urging the public to be extra cautious in the backcountry. All person-caused fires are preventable and these incidents may affect the ability of firefighting crews to respond to naturally occurring fires.

The BC Wildfire Service appreciates the public’s continued reporting of any smoke or flames that they see. Report a wildfire by calling 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 on your cellphone.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca